Electrohydrodynamic instability in some nematic cyanobiphenyls in an a.c. electric field

Electrohydrodynamic instability in homeotropically oriented nematic samples of 4'-n-octyl-4-cyano-biphenyl and 4'n-alkyloxy-4-cyanobiphenyl, (n = 8.9) have been studied in an a.c. electric field. The domain patterns during the instability in these compounds in a very low frequency a.c. field are very similar to those in a d.c. field. The domain patterns observed at higher frequencies have been identified as 'maltese crosses' or 'crossed isogyres'. The electro-convective 'isotropic' flows near the electrode play an important role in the observed instability.     

Structure of the smectic D phase

Abstract

The so-called ‘smectic’ D phase of 4′-n-octadecyloxy-3′-cyanobiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (one of only four materials known to exhibit this phase) has been shown unambiguously by X-ray diffraction to be characterized by a primitive cubic space group. The space group is either P23 or Pm3, and the lattice parameter a ₀ is 86 Å. It is shown that data from previous studies of this phase may be re-intepreted to be consistent with these findings. In view of these conclusions it is clearly inappropriate to refer to the phase as smectic.     

Substrate-induced adjustment of “slipped” π–π stacking: en route to obtain 1D sandwich chain and higher order self-assembly supramolecular structures in solid state

‘Slipped’ π?π stacking between flexible macrocycle 1⁴⁺ (cyclo[2](2,6-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine)[2](1,4-dimethylene benzene)) and neutral small molecules induce one-dimensional (1D) ‘sandwich’ chain self-assembly. Unlike most of the reported π?π stacking system, the 1D “sandwich” chain expands with the direction parallel to stacking π surfaces on 1⁴⁺ and that on molecule 2, 3, 4 or 5 (2 = p-xylene, 3 = benzene-1,4-diamine, 4 = 4,4′-bipyridine, 5 = [1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diol). Moreover, the π?π stacking modes of 1D self-assembly are seriously small molecule adduct dependent. Combined with the other weak interactions (e.g. intermolecular hydrogen bonding), the new substrate design and control strategy can expand the 1D ‘sandwich’ chain (e.g. [1⁴⁺·4]_n) into higher order structure (e.g. two-dimensional (2D) network [1⁴⁺·4·6]_n, 6 = hydroquinone) even in large scale (~280 mg). This 2D network structure, which keeps stable under 423 K, shows highly selective gas absorption of CO₂ over N₂.     

Influence of the order parameter and of the director orientation on the surface tension of free nematic films

Abstract

A radial hydrodynamic flow in the nematic phase of free, suspended cylindrical films of 4-n-heptyl- and decyloxybenzoic acid and in 4,4′-di-n-heptyl-oxyazoxybenzene has been observed. The flow starts about 7°C before the phase transition into the smectic C phase. Under the same experimental conditions such a hydrodynamic flow is not established in free nematic films of 4-n-heptyl-and octyloxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl, 4,4′-dimethoxyazoxybenzene and N-(4-ethoxybenzylidene)-4′-n-butylaniline after the completion of the transition from the isotropic liquid to the nematic phase. The observed hydrodynamic flow is explained by a non-linear temperature dependence of the surface tension.     

Furopyridines. XXIX. Reactions of furo[2,3-b:4,5-c‘]-, -[3,2-b:-4,5-c’]-, -[2,3-c:4,5-c‘]- and -[3,2-c:3,2-c’]dipyridine

Furo[2,3-b:4,5-c‘]- 1a , -[3,2-b:4,5-c’]- 1b , -[2,3-c:4,5-c‘]- 1c and -[3,2-c:4,5-c’]dipyridine 1d were derived to the N-oxides 2a-d , N‘-oxides 2′b , 2′c or N,N’-dioxide 3b-d by N-oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid. Chlorination of these N-oxides, N′-oxide and N,N′-dioxides with phosphorus oxychloride afforded compounds chlorinated at the α-position(s) to the ring nitrogen 4a-d , 4′c , 14b-d and 14′b . Acetoxylation of N-oxides 2a-d and 2′c with acetic anhydride gave the corresponding pyridone compounds 6a-d and 6′c in good yields, while the acetoxylation of N,N′-dioxides gave a complex mixture from which no compound could be isolated. Cyanation of 2a-d, 2′c and 3b-d with trimethylsilyl cyanide yielded the cyano compounds 7a-d , 7′c , cyano-N-oxides 15b-d and dicyano compounds 15′c and 15′d . Monocyano compounds 7a-d and 7′c were converted to the imino esters 8a-d and 8′c by treatment with sodium ethoxide. Imino esters were derived to the carboxylic esters 9a-d and 9′c , from which the corresponding alde hydes 10a-d and 10′c were obtained by reduction with diisobutylaluminum hydride. Dicyanide 15′c was converted to dialdehyde 19 by the treatment with sodium ethoxide, and the subsequent hydrolysis of the imino ester and reduction of the carboxylic ester with diisobutylaluminum hydride.     

Synthesis,extraction and chromogenic properties of Amidoazocalix[4]arenes and their telomer derivatives

The synthesis, extraction and chromogenic properties of calix[4]arenes, carrying phenylazo and amido groups on their upper and lower rims, respectively, are described. Novel azocalix[4]arene amides (1a–d, 2a–d, 3a–d) and some of their telomers (T1a–T1d) have been synthesised and characterised by spectroscopic methods as well as elemental analysis techniques. Compounds 1c and 2b were additionally characterised by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods. Some of the compounds were examined by absorption spectra using different solvents. The colour changes of the resulting solutions can be observed by the ‘naked eye’. Metal extraction abilities of compounds have been investigated comparatively. Telomer structures of azocalix[n]arenes exhibited higher extraction rates compared to those of their monomers. Products obtained under this study, especially telomers, can be used in the field of ion-selective electrodes.     

Influence of the smectic A-nematic transitional order on the formation of the smectic phases of 4-n-hexyloxybenzylidene-4′-n-butyIaniline and 4-n-butyloxybenzylidene-4′-n-octyIaniline from an electrically deformed nematic phase

Abstract

The crucial role of the smectic A-nematic transitional order for the formation of the smectic A, B and G phases from an electrically deformed nematic phase of the liquid crystal 4-n-hexyloxy-benzylidene-4′-n-butylaniline (6O.4) with a typical smectic A-nematic first order transition and the formation of the smectic A and B phases from an electrically deformed nematic phase of the liquid crystal (4-n-butyloxy-benzylidene-4′-n-octylaniline (40.8) with a smectic A-nematic second order transition has been demonstrated. The nematic phase was deformed by an AC voltage of 2U,_th 5U _th and 10U _th, where U _th is the threshold voltage which causes the appearance of the Fréedericksz transition in the homeotropic nematic layer. The smectic textures have been observed on free cooling of the nematic phase or after the use of an oven. The smectic A phase of the liquid crystal 60.4 was observed with the formation of a clear smectic A-nematic phase boundary while the smectic A phase of the liquid crystal 40.8 has been formed from intermediate pretransitional stripes, observed by Cladis and Torza [1]. The homeotropic anchoring of the direction was crucial for the formation of the smectic phases of the liquid crystal 40.8 but not significant for the liquid crystal 60.4.     

Synthesis and structure of a ‘4 + 1’ oxorhenium(V) complex containing imidazole derivatives

The ‘4?+?1’ concept was used to prepare the complex salt [ReO(iao)Br]Br (1) from the reaction of (n-Bu₄N)[ReOBr₄(OPPh₃)] with the ligand bis{2′-methyl(1′-methylimidazole)}-2-aminoethanol (Hiao) in methanol. The single-crystal X-ray crystal structure of 1 shows that iao acts as a monoanionic, tetradentate, N₃O-donor chelate. When the reaction was carried out in acetonitrile, the neutral complex [ReO(iao)Br₂] (2) was isolated. Elemental analyses and IR data suggest that iao acts as a tridentate, N₂O-donor ligand in 2.     

In situ observation of the pressure-induced mesophase for 4′-n-hexadecyloxy-3′-nitrobiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid

In situ observation of the optical texture, and X-ray patterns of the pressure-induced mesophase seen for 4′-n-hexadecyloxy-3′-nitrobiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (ANBC-16) was performed under hydrostatic pressures up to 100MPa using a polarizing optical microscope equipped with a high pressure hot stage and a wide angle X-ray diffractometer equipped with a high pressure vessel respectively. It was found that the pressure-induced mesophase (hereafter refered to as ‘X’) appeared at pressures above 60 MPa, and exhibits a birefringent broken-fan or a sand-like texture that remain unaltered in the SmC phase. The POM-transmitted light intensity curve measured on heating clearly showed the Cr₄ → Cr₁ → SmC → ‘X’ → SmA → I transition sequence at 80 MPa. The optical texture and the POM-transmitted light intensity measured during a pressure cycle at 185°C showed a reversible change between the cubic and ‘X’ phases. The WAXD pattern of the ‘X’ phase showed a spot-like pattern, suggesting no layered structure for this phase, and also revealed a substantial decrease in the d-spacing of the low angle reflection at 80 and 100 MPa, compared with the d-spacings of the (0 0 1) reflection of the SmC phase and also the (2 1 1) reflection of the cubic phase. It is concluded from these data that the ‘X’ phase is a birefringent hexagonal columnar phase.     

Mesomorphic phase transitions of a series of D-phase compounds

Abstract

Mesomorphic phase transitions of 4′-n-alkoxy-3′-nitrobiphenyl-4-carboxylic acids (ANBC) with numbers of carbons (n) in the alkoxy group ranging from 11 to 22 have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy. The D phase, a mesophase of particular interest through its being optically isotropic, was observed for the n = 17, 19, 20, 21, and 22 members of the ANBCs, as well as for the n = 16 and 18 members, as reported previously. The S_c-D phase transition temperature decreased with increasing n, so that the temperature range of the D phase extended over 64° at n = 22. In the n = 15 member, the D phase was certainly observed on first heating, but was not seen on subsequent cooling and second heating processes.     

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 2. Synthesis of both anomers of 1-(5'-O-phosphoryl-2'-deoxy-D-ribofuranosyl)-2(1H)-pyridone

The two anomeric 1-(2′-deoxy-D -ribofuranosyl)-2(1H)-pyridones 6 and 7 were synthesized from 2-pyridone and 3,5-di-(O-p-toluoyl)-2-deoxy-D -ribofuranosyl chloride ( 2 ) via the di-O-p-toluoyl derivatives 3 and 4 using the mercuric halide procedure. Phosphorylation of the nucleosides 6 and 7 by bis-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)-chlorophosphate gave the phosphate esters 8 and 9 together with some 2-(bis-[2,2,2-trichloroethyl]-phosphoryloxy)-pyridine 10 , which proved to be very labile. Structure and configuration of compounds 6 to 9 were established by spectral methods, the configurations being derived from the chemical shifts of the sugar protons and the splitting patterns of the anomeric protons (‘triplet-quartet rule’). The specific rotations of 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 show that the three pairs of anomers represent exceptions to Hudson's rule of isorotation. Reductive removal of the trichloroethyl groups in 8 and 9 with zinc proceeds stepwise, yielding the phosphoro-diesters 13 and 14 and the two desired anomeric 5′-nucleotides 15 and 16 . These latter were purified and characterised as the ammonium salts. Enzymatic cleavage by the 5′-nucleotidase of Crotalus adamanteus venom took place only in the ‘natural’ β-series. The ‘unnatural’ α-anomers were resistent to the enzyme. The structure of 10 was established by spectral methods and confirmed by synthesis.     

Molecular dynamics in the nematic,SA and SC phases of 8S5 and 9S5 as studied by dielectric methods

Abstract

Two experimental techniques—time domain spectroscopy (TDS) and a steady state frequency method—have been used to study dielectric spectra for the isotropic, nematic, S_A, S_C and S_Y phases of two thioesters (4-n-pentylphenyl-4′-n-octyloxy-and 4′-n-nonyloxythiobenzoates (C _n H_2n+1 O?C₆ H₄?COS?C₆H₄?C₅H₁₁, where n = 8 and n = 9) known as 8S5 and 9S5, in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 10 GHz. In the case of 8S5 a deuteriated sample (8S5-d ₂₈) has been used to study relaxation processes in the nematic and smectic phases.     

Metastable ion fragmentation processes in n-alkanes

The n-alkanes, propane to heptane, have been studied in a modified MS-9 mass spectrometer under conditions that enabled the daughter ions, resulting from metastable fragmentation processes occurring in the first field free region, to be observed with high sensitivity. The precursor ions in these fragmentations have been identified unambiguously and a general fragmentation scheme for the n-alkanes is proposed. The mass spectrometer incorporated a variable width monitor slit and narrow settings of this slit improved the energy resolution so that fine structure could be observed in some of the ‘metastable peaks’. The implications of this fine structure are discussed.     

2H-N.M.R. studies of flexibility and orientational order in nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

Deuteron magnetic resonance spectroscopy (²H-N.M.R.) has been used to investigate the effect of the nematic environment on the flexibility and orientational order of two perdeuteriated cyanobiphenyl homologues: 4-methyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (1CB-d ₁₁) and 4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (5CB-d ₁₉). The systems studied were low concentrations of 1CB-d ₁₁ and 5CB-d ₁₉ dissolved in the nematic phases of 5CB, N-(-4-ethoxybenzylidene)-4′-n-butylaniline (EBBA), Merck ZLI-1132 (1132) and a 55wt% mixture of 1132: EBBA. The spectra are dramatically different in these environments. Previous studies on small solutes have suggested that in the 55wt% 1132: EBBA mixture (at 301.4 K) the dominant orienting mechanism depends on the size and shape of the molecule which suggests that it is a short range repulsive interaction. This interaction has been modelled by treating the liquid crystal as an elastic continuum and the solute as a collection of van der Waals spheres which stretch the liquid crystal in the two dimensions perpendicular to the director. The distortion of the liquid crystal depends on the dimensions of the solute, and the elastic energy is described in terms of a Hooke's law force constant, k. The model is extended to include flexible liquid crystal molecules and quadrupolar couplings are calculated for each conformation of the 5CB chain. Statistical averaging over all conformations gives an excellent fit to the experimental spectrum. The results for 1CB and 5CB show that in the other nematic phases contributions from additional mechanisms must be included. Previous studies of ²H₂ and other solutes indicate that the additional mechanism is the interaction between the solute molecular quadrupole moment and the mean electric field gradient of the liquid crystal.     

Zur Reaktionsweise von Enaminen mit Cyclopropenonen I. Einsatz von Cyclododecanon-Enamin

Monomethyl-, dimethyl-, di-n-propyl- and diphenyl-cyclopropenone ( 6 to 9 ) have been reacted with 1-(N-pyrrolidino)-cyclododecene ( 5 ) and three types of products isolated. The major products (40–7% yield) were shown to have the 3 -(cyclododec-1′-E-enyl)Z-/or E-acryl-pyrrolidide structure ( 12 , 13 / 14 , 15 / 16 , 17 ) by their spectral properties and lithium aluminium hydride reductions as well as, in one case ( 13 ), by an alternative synthesis of a stereomer ( 34 ) via 1-(cyclododec-E-ene)-carboxaldehyde ( 29 ) and a Wittig reaction. These ‘amides’ are the result of a novel reaction, called ‘C, N-insertion’. In the reactions of the symmetrical cyclopropenes 7 to 9 with 5 , the minor products (6–10%) proved to have the 2,4-disubstituted cyclopentadeca-4-E-en-1,3-dione structures 38 to 40 . These ‘β-diketones’ are considered to be the hydrolysed forms of the intermediate 1-(N-pyrrolidino)-cyclopentadeca-1,4-dien-3-ones ( 45 ).They are formed by reactions (called ‘C,C-insertions’), which represent the first cases of direct ring expansions by three carbon atoms. Such ‘C,C-insertions’ have been postulated previously by other authors. However, their products do not behave like precursors of our ‘β-diketones’ but rather like our ‘amides’. It is proposed therefore, that a reinterpretation of these reactions in the literature must be considered in the light of our ‘C, N-insertion’. In one reaction ( 8 + 5 ) a bicyclo[10. 3. 0]pentadeca-12-en-14-one dericative 42 was found in 10% yield. This type of product and reaction (called ‘condensation’) has been reported previously. A suggestion is made for a systematic representation of the several types of reactions, which cyclopropenones can undergo with enamines. – Mixing 9 + 5 in the cold produced an intermediate, which insomerised on heating to the ‘amide’ 17 . Its properties are compared with those of recently described similar ‘primary adducts’ and the latter are reexamined in the light of the new product interpretations reported in this paper. A novel structure is considered for this intermediate, that a of cycle ‘ammonium acylid’ 51 . An attempt is made at the formulation of other possible intermediates.     

X-ray diffraction study of the smectic mesophase of some azobenzene-containing polyacrylates

Abstract

An X-ray study is performed on powder specimens and on stretched oriented fibres of two liquid crystalline polyacrylates containing the azobenzene mesogenic unit with either a 4′-n-pentyloxy (sample 1–4) or 4′-n-hexyloxy (sample 1–5) substituent. The X-ray diffraction patterns of both samples showed the presence of a bilayer smectic C mesophase with the mesogneic groups tilted by an angle β ～ 45° (1–4) or β ～ 38° (1–5) with respect to the layer normal. The electron density profile p(z) along the direction normal to the smectic layers was calculated by Fourier inversion and possible structural models of the smectic mesophase are discussed. A partial interdigitation of the terminal alkyloxy substituents appears to occur.     

Mesogenic cinnamates with a substituted ethyl terminal chain*

Two new mesogenic homologous series of liquid crystalline cinnamates with substituted ethyl tails, β‐methoxyethyl [4‐(4′‐n‐alkoxycinnamoyloxy)benzoates (I) and β‐chloroethyl [4‐(4′‐n‐alkoxycinnamoyloxy)benzoates (II), have been synthesized and characterized by a combination of elemental analysis and standard spectroscopic methods. In series I, lower‐chain members exhibit nematic mesophase, middle members exhibit enantiotropic nematic as well as smectic A (SmA) mesophases, whereas higher members exhibit only an enantiotropic SmA mesophase. In series II, methoxy to n‐butyloxy derivatives exhibit a monotropic nematic mesophase. The SmA mesophase commences from n‐propyloxy derivative as monotropic and persists up to the last member synthesized. The mesomorphic properties of present series were compared with each other and with a structurally related mesogenic homologous series to evaluate the effects of substituted ethyl tail and cinnamoyloxy central linkage on mesomorphism.     

Alternating Poly(Pt‐salphen)‐(p‐phenyleneethynylene) as Phosphorescent Conjugated Linear‐Rod and Coilable Sensory Materials

Phosphorescent conjugated polymers consisting of alternating p‐phenylene‐ethynylene and ‘para‐’ or ‘meta‐type’ Pt(II)‐salphen luminophore units have been synthesized. Side‐arms bearing different substituents (n‐alkoxy and acetylated‐sugar) have afforded contrasting emission properties that are attributed to the polymer conformation, extent of π‐stacking interactions and differences in chemical structure. Intriguing selectivity in luminescent sensing of metal ions has been observed.

     

Determination of the orientational ordering of 4′-cyanophenyl-4-alkylbenzoates by 13C NMR

Abstract

The orientational ordering of three 4′-cyanophenyl-4-alkylbenzoates (with number of carbons in the alkyl chain, n = 6,7 and 8; hereafter abbreviated as n-CPBs) has been investigated by ¹³C NMR. The order parameters of different molecular segments in the nematic phase of the n-CPBs were determined by the two-dimensional technique of separated local field (SLF) spectroscopy combined with off-magic-axis, variable-angle spinning (VAS) of the sample. The carbon-13 chemical shifts for each carbon nucleus in these compounds were determined by slowly spinning the sample parallel to the applied magnetic field. The order parameters obtained from SLF/VAS studies are linearly related to the corresponding anisotropic carbon-13 chemical shifts. These results provide a convenient way to obtain the order parameters for other homologous members of this liquid crystal series by direct measurement of only their carbon-13 chemical shifts in conjunction with the observed linear relationship between order parameters and chemical shifts.     

Optical and dielectric properties of antiferroelectric liquid crystals and their surface effects

Abstract

A detailed study of the dielectric and optical properties of the ferroelectric liquid crystal material (R)-4′-(3-methoxycarbonyl-2-propoxycarbonyl)phenyl 4-(4-(n-octyloxy)phenyl)benzoate (3MC2PCPOPB) has been carried out. It has been found that an anomalous temperature dependence of the dielectric constant in 3MC2PCPOPB is due to the antiferroelectric and ferrielectric properties. A T(temperature)-E(electric field) phase diagram has been obtained on the basis of the apparent tilt angle measurements. In a thin cell (< 3 μm), both ferroelectric and antiferroelectric domains are simultaneously observed over a wide temperature range, and the complete antiferroelectric phase does not appear even at low temperature. A characteristic texture in which boundary focal conics are aligned parallel to a smectic layer has been observed. The movement of the zig-zag defect line caused by the application of the voltage is also observed.